✍️ Introduction
The Siliguri Corridor, known as India’s Chicken’s Neck, is a narrow 20–22 km land strip in West Bengal that connects the north-east to mainland India. Surrounded by Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China, it’s a strategic chokepoint. Recent geopolitical shifts—Bangladesh’s tilt toward China, threats from Lalmonirhat airbase revival, and local provocations—have amplified the urgency: How can India fortify this vital corridor?
🧾 What is the “Chicken’s Neck”?
The “Chicken’s Neck” is a narrow stretch between West Bengal and Bangladesh/Nepal that serves as the lifeline connecting India’s eight north-eastern states to the rest of the country. It’s critical for moving people, goods, and defence forces.
🧠 Context
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Bangladesh’s interim regime and remarks by M. Yunus, supported by China, have labeled the Northeast “landlocked,” prompting India to enhance connectivity elsewhere
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China’s help to revive Lalmonirhat airbase just 12–15 km from the border raises strategic concerns
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India has deployed Rafales, MiGs, BrahMos, S‑400 systems, Akash, MR‑SAM, and MRSAM along with T‑90s & Trishakti Corps
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Multi-agency security drills involve blackout simulations, camouflage, and evacuation in 17+ key areas
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North Bengal police have banned combat fatigues and unauthorized drone use near the corridor
✅ What India Can Do to Secure It
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Advance air defence layering
Deploy multi-tier systems—S-400, radar, and short/very short‑range missiles -
Enhance air cover and radar
Station Rafale/MiG squadrons at Hashimara & integrated airborne warning systems -
Fortify ground defenses
Trishakti Corps with T‑90s & BrahMos missile units offers rapid-response deterrence -
Conduct regular drills
Civil-military exercises (blackouts, evacuations) improve readiness -
Improve infrastructure redundancy
Develop Shillong–Silchar Highway, Kaladan multimodal route, and alternate rail lines via Nepal/Bangladesh -
Tighten border surveillance
Drone/photo bans, fatigue uniform restrictions, more BSF and police checkpoints -
Strengthen intelligence & presence
Track cross-border militants, update NRC, coordinate Assam-Meghalaya stability efforts -
Diplomacy with neighbours
Ensure Bangladesh’s neutrality, seek assurances, engage China diplomatically . -
Close proximity air threats
Monitor the revived Lalmonirhat airbase and contingencies near Bengal borders -
Local community integration
Train civil defense volunteers, invest in socio-economic development to foster grassroots resilience.
🔚 Conclusion
India has robustly reinforced the Chicken’s Neck with air defence, troops, drills, and infrastructure. But long-term security will depend on sustained connectivity alternatives, intelligence vigilance, border management, and neighbouring diplomacy. Only a holistic strategy—combining military readiness with political and economic resilience—can truly secure this vital lifeline.
📌 Quick Summary
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What? The narrow Siliguri Corridor connects India’s northeast and is its most vulnerable choke point.
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Yes: India has responded with layered defences—S-400, BrahMos, jets, drills, drones ban.
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Next Steps: Build alternate routes (Kaladan & Shillong–Silchar), strengthen intelligence, and secure diplomatic gains.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Why is Lalmonirhat airbase a risk?
China is reviving it just 12–15 km from the border; it could be dual-use for Bangladesh’s air force
Q2. What alternate routes reduce dependency on the corridor?
Projects like the Kaladan corridor via Myanmar and Shillong–Silchar Highway provide non-Bangladesh routes
Q3. How do security drills help?
Simulations (blackouts, evacuation, camouflage) with civil defense prepare for sudden threats